Henerasyon

‘Henerasyon’ centers on the survival and revival of Philippine heritage and tradition,  with particular emphasis on the history of the capital city, Manila. Two parallel tales of degeneration and regeneration are represented in the work; the legend of the naming of Manila from the Nilad plants, once abundant along the  Philippine estuaries, and the progression of the indigenous culture once known as ‘les pintados’ (the painted ones) to an almost extinct cultural practice of batek tattoo. The work comments on the loss of the distinctive Nilad plants and the loss of transmission of significant cultural practices, through generations of a single original impression.

Generation means bringing into being with a succession of natural descent. The repetition of an original impression in each ‘generation’ aims to demonstrate a need for successive generations in order for the history to resonate and have meaning. Without propagation the tales and culture of the people may cease to exist, like the Nilad plants that once framed Manila Bay. When in sequence, the generations reveal the origins of the City’s namesake, the Philippine star and many other culturally significant references.

Addressing the importance of family in the Philippines and drawing on motifs significant to the Philippine ancestral culture (such as the ling-lingao fertility symbol and batek representations of lizard scales denoting abundance), the work intends to draw a link between the growth of a  city and society over time and the loss of esteem for customary rituals. Restoring the Philippine’s ephemeral cultural practices and regenerating an awareness of the legend of the nilad, could be a means for the people to regain a rich knowledge of their past and enable individuals to identify with their society.  Read More

Henerasyon 99.9 Fine Silver, Leather, Plywood and Hemp , 500 x 500mm (framed)